Lamaze breathing is a natural, drug-free way to manage the pain and stress of childbirth. It consists of four types of breathing patterns: cleansing, slow, breathy, and patterned breathing. These techniques are taught in Lamaze Method birthing classes and can also be used for relaxation.
Lamaze breathing is a series of breathing exercises that is part of the Lamaze method developed in 1951 by Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze, a French obstetrician, to provide a natural, drug-free way to manage the pain and stress of childbirth. The Lamaze method consists of childbirth education lessons, relaxation techniques, active participation of the father as a “coach” in the childbirth process and specific breathing techniques. Lamaze breathing is an integral part of the Lamaze method. After determining a baseline, or normal breathing pattern, there are four types of breathing patterns involved in Lamaze breathing: cleansing, slow, breathy, and patterned breathing.
The cleansing breath is used to start and end the Lamaze breathing cycle. It is a calming breath that is used at the beginning and end of uterine contractions. Breathing is accomplished by inhaling as slowly and deeply as possible through the nose and exhaling at the same rate through the mouth.
After the cleansing breath, the next step in Lamaze breathing is usually slow breathing. Slow breathing is breathing that inhales on a count of three, four or five and exhales on the same count. Slow breathing is also used as a calming breath, but with more focus.
Puffing describes soft, shallow breathing that is used after relaxation has occurred to prolong relaxation. How soft this breath is can be demonstrated when you hold a piece of paper a few inches from your mouth and breathe in. The card should flutter smoothly as you exhale. This is Lamaze breathing done between contractions.
The Lamaze breathing used during contractions is the patterned breath. The patterned breath consists of a gentle inhalation with two to four rapid exhalations. For example, on a four-count exhalation, the sound emitted would be “hee, hee, hee,” with a quick inhalation before ending with an exhalation of “hoo”. The patterned breath is used for the duration of the contraction.
These breathing patterns are taught and reinforced in every Lamaze Method birthing class. The techniques aren’t difficult, but practice is important to the process. After practicing these breathing techniques for the nine months of pregnancy, they become almost second nature to the mother and father, who will guide and guide their breathing throughout the birth.
The Lamaze breathing technique was developed for the birthing experience, but can be used by anyone as an effective relaxation technique. The breaths do not have to be taken in any particular order. They can be used in any number of combinations to suit individual relaxation goals.
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